Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed the hot-fire test of its 3D-printed MPS-120 CubeSat high-impulse adaptable modular propulsion system.

Carried out in Redmond, Washington, MPS-120 testing showed the required throughput on the engine for more than five times and several expulsions on the propellant tank, according to Aerojet.

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Said to be the company’s first 3D-printed hydrazine integrated propulsion system, the MPS-120 features four miniature rocket engines, feed system components, a 3D-printed titanium piston, and propellant and pressurant tanks.

"This successful test opens a new paradigm of possibilities that is not constrained by the limits of traditional manufacturing techniques."

Aerojet Rocketdyne MPS-120 programme manager Christian Carpenter said: "The MPS-120 hot-fire test is a significant milestone in demonstrating our game-changing propulsion solution, which will make many new CubeSat missions possible.

"We look forward to identifying customers to demonstrate the technology on an inaugural space flight."

The propulsion system can be powered by hydrazine propellant, as well as AF-M315E green propellant, and can be upgraded to MPS-130 green propellant version.

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Aerojet Rocketdyne space advanced programmes vice-president Julie Van Kleeck said: "Aerojet Rocketdyne continues to push the envelope with both the development and application of 3D-printed technologies, and this successful test opens a new paradigm of possibilities that is not constrained by the limits of traditional manufacturing techniques."

The latest test comes after a series of hot-fire tests on Aerojet’s 3D-printed components and engines.

In October, the company tested an advanced rocket engine thrust chamber assembly using copper alloy additive manufacturing technology.

A series of tests were carried out in June on a Bantam demonstration engine, built using the additive manufacturing technology.

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